Disposable applicator

ABSTRACT

A disposable applicator is disclosed for applying a composition to an exposed surface. The applicator includes a back sheet, a liquid permeable substrate secured to one surface of the back sheet, and a composition applied to the liquid permeable substrate. The composition is capable of being transferred to an exposed surface by wiping the liquid permeable substrate against the exposed surface. The applicator also has a seal formed on at least a portion of an inner surface of the back sheet. The back sheet is then folded upon itself such that the seal extends completely around the perimeter of the substrate and protects the composition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Presently, there is a need for a sanitary disposable applicator whichcan be used to apply a composition onto an exposed surface and then bediscarded. One application for such a disposable applicator is when amother wishes to apply an ointment or cream directly onto a baby'sbuttock for the treatment of a diaper rash. Up until now, the mothercould apply the baby rash ointment or cream directly onto the baby'sbuttock using her fingers. However, this is messy especially whenperformed at a location away from proper washing facilities. Inaddition, it can be very difficult for a mother to evenly apply theointment or cream over the affected area of the skin. An alternative isfor the mother to apply the baby rash ointment or cream onto the insidesurface of the infant's diaper. However, some mothers do not feelconfident that a sufficient quantity of the ointment or cream willtransfer to the baby's skin in the area where the diaper rash ispresent. Another application of a disposable applicator is for applyingmedication onto a sore or wound formed in a person's skin. Still otheruses for disposable applicators are to apply a variety of differentcompositions, for example sunscreen, furniture polish, etc., ontoexposed surfaces. The surfaces can be a human body, the skin of ananimal or the surface of an inanimate object.

Now a disposable applicator has been invented that can be used totransfer a composition, such as a skin care product, onto an exposedsurface, for example, a baby's buttock. The disposable applicator can bediscarded after a single use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, this invention relates to a disposable applicator having a backsheet with an inner surface, an outer surface and a perimeter. Theapplicator also has a liquid permeable substrate having a first surface,a second surface and a perimeter. The first surface of the substrate issecured to the inner surface of the back sheet. A composition is appliedto the liquid permeable substrate. The composition is capable of beingtransferred to an exposed surface by wiping the liquid permeablesubstrate against the exposed surface. The applicator further includes aseal formed on the inner surface of the back sheet. When the back sheetis folded upon itself, the seal extends completely around the perimeterof the substrate and protects the composition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a disposable applicator showing a liquidpermeable substrate having a composition applied to it and being securedto a back sheet, and having a seal formed on the inner surface of theback sheet which at least partially surrounds the perimeter of thesubstrate.

FIG. 2 is a right side view of the disposable applicator shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is a plane view of the disposable applicator shown in FIG. 1after the back sheet has been folded approximately at the transverseaxis Y-Y.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4 showinga chamber formed within the seal.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the disposable applicator shown in FIG. 1depicting a finger pocket formed by folding the back sheet upon itselfand having an advertisement appearing on an opposite portion of the backsheet.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 5 taken along line 6-6.

FIG. 7 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a disposableapplicator showing an oval shaped, liquid permeable substrate having acomposition applied to it and being secured to a back sheet, and havinga seal formed completely around the perimeter of the substrate.

FIG. 8 is a right side view of the disposable applicator shown in FIG.7.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the disposable applicator shown in FIG. 7depicting a finger pocket formed by attaching a separate member to theouter surface of the back sheet.

FIG. 10 is a plane view of the disposable applicator shown in FIGS. 7-9after the back sheet has been folded approximately at the transverseaxis Y-Y.

FIG. 11 is a top view of a disposable applicator having a diamondconfiguration.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the disposable applicator shown in FIG. 11after it has been folded along the transverse axis Y-Y.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a disposable applicator 10 is shown having alongitudinal axis X-X, a transverse axis Y-Y, and a vertical axis Z-Z.The disposable applicator 10 includes a back sheet 12 having an innersurface 14 and an outer surface 16. The back sheet 12 also has aperimeter 18. Desirably, the back sheet 12 is liquid-impermeable. By“liquid-impermeable” it is meant that a fluid or liquid can not passtherethrough. More desirably, the back sheet 12 is moisture-impermeable.By “moisture-impermeable” it is meant that moisture can not passtherethrough. Even more desirably, the back sheet 12 isvapor-impermeable. By “vapor-impermeable” it is meant that a vapor, gasor air can not pass through. A vapor is a gaseous state of a substancethat is a liquid or solid under ordinary conditions. Air is a colorless,odorless, tasteless gaseous mixture, mainly nitrogen (approximately 78%)and oxygen (approximately 21%) with lesser amounts of argon, carbondioxide, neon, helium, and other gases.

The back sheet 12 can be formed from a variety of materials, includingnatural and/or synthetic materials. Desirably, the back sheet 12 is afilm, although a nonwoven material, a woven material or a combination ofmaterials can be used. The back sheet 12 can be a film formed from apolyolefin, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The back sheet 12 canalso be formed from some other thermoplastic film or be a laminate oftwo or more layers wherein at least one layer is a barrier layer. Asused herein, the term “laminate” refers to a composite structure of twoor more material layers that have been adhered or otherwise bondedtogether, such as through adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, pointbonding, pressure bonding, extrusion coating, ultrasonic bonding or bysome other bonding technique known to those skilled in the art.

The back sheet 12 can include one or more barrier layers that can be inthe form of a film layer. Furthermore, the back sheet 12 can be formedof a metallized material, such as a metal foil. A metal is any of acategory of electropositive elements that are usually whitish, lustrous,and, in the transition metals, typically ductile and malleable with hightensile strength. A common example would be a thin sheet of aluminum.Specific examples of certain materials that work well include: a lowdensity polyethylene (LDPE), such as a LDPE/SURLYN film, and metallizedpolyethylene terephthalate (MPET) which is a metallized film laminate.SURLYN is a registered trademark of E.I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company,having an office at 1007 Market Street, Wilmington, Del. 19898. Theseand other materials known to those skilled in the art can be used toform the back sheet 12.

The outer surface 16 of the back sheet 12 can also be made orconstructed to have a rough or coarse texture or to have a grainy,fibrous or abrasive surface. This rough texture is the opposite of asmooth, slick or flat surface, as serves to limit slipping when thedisposable applicator 10 is held within one's hand or between a person'sthumb and one or more of their fingers. The method of using thedisposable applicator 10 will be explained later.

Referring to FIG. 2, the back sheet 12 has a thickness “t” that isrelatively thin. The thickness “t” of the back sheet 12 can be less thanabout 3 millimeters. Desirably, the thickness “t” of the back sheet 12can be less than about 1.0 millimeter. Most desirably, the thickness “t”of the back sheet 12 can be less than about 0.1 millimeters. Thebacksheet 12 should also be flexible and have a soft feel to the hand.The back sheet 12 can be colored or have no color. A white colornormally conveys a clean and sanitary appearance and is desirable for adisposable applicator 10 that is designed to come in contact with thehuman skin. The back sheet 12 can be printed using any number oftechniques known to those skilled in the art.

The back sheet 12 can be formed from a variety of water soluble ordispersible natural and synthetic polymer/film forming materials orcombinations including but not limited to: PVP based polymers (e.g.,polyvinyl pyrroidone), polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol (polyox),xantham gum, polyquaternium polymers, pullulan, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose gelatin,carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, sodium alginate, tragacanthgum, guar gum, acacia gum, Arabic gum, polyacrylic acid,methylmethacylate copolymer, carboxyvinyl polymer, amylase, high amylasestarch, hydroxypropylated high amylase starch, dextrin, pectin, chitin,chitosan, levan, elsinan, collagen, zein, glutan, soy protein isolate,whey protein isolate, casein and mixtures thereof.

The back sheet 12 can also be manufactured to be environmentallyfriendly. For example, the back sheet 12 can be made biodegradable. By“biodegradable” it is meant that the back sheet 12 is capable of beingdecomposed by natural biological processes. Illustrative examplesinclude, but are not limited to, one or more of the following polymers:polyhydroxyalkonates, polylactic acid, and polyglycolide.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the disposable applicator 10 alsoincludes a substrate 20 having a first surface 22 and a second surface24. The substrate 20 also has a perimeter 26, see FIG. 1. The perimeter26 of the substrate 20 can be equal to or be smaller than the perimeter18 of the back sheet 12. Desirably, the perimeter 26 of the substrate 20is at least about 50% smaller than the perimeter 18 of the back sheet12. More desirably, the perimeter 26 of the substrate 20 is at leastabout 25% smaller than the perimeter 18 of the back sheet 12. Even moredesirably, the perimeter 26 of the substrate 20 is at least about 5%smaller than the perimeter 18 of the back sheet 12.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the first surface 22 of the substrate 20 issecured to the inner surface 14 of the back sheet 12 by an attachment28. The attachment 28 can be a hot melt adhesive, a cold melt adhesive,a cohesive, a glue, an ultrasonic bond, a pressure bond, a thermal bond,a fusion bond, a heat and/or pressure bond, a chemical bond, amechanical fastener, such as a hook and loop fastener, or by anycombination thereof, or by any other means known to those skilled in theart. Desirably, the attachment 28 is formed by an adhesive that can beapplied as a continuous line or bead. Alternatively, the adhesive can beapplied as intermittent spots, in a swirl pattern or in some otherunique pattern or design. The adhesive can be applied in any of avariety of ways using commercially available equipments, spray heads,nozzles, etc. The first surface 22 of the substrate 20 is secured to theinner surface 14 of the back sheet 12 such that the inner surface 14 iscoterminuous with the perimeter 26 of the substrate 20. Desirably, theinner surface 14 of the back sheet 12 extends completely around theperimeter 26 of the substrate 20. More desirably, the inner surface 14of the back sheet 12 extends outward at least about 5 millimeters ormore from the perimeter 26 of the substrate 20.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the back sheet 12 is shown having arectangular configuration with spaced apart ends 30 and 32, and spacedapart sides 34 and 36. The substrate 20 also has a rectangularconfiguration with spaced apart ends 38 and 40, and spaced apart sides42 and 44. In this embodiment, a dimension d₁ represents the distancebetween one of the ends 38 or 40 of the substrate 20 and the adjacentend 30 or 32 of the back sheet 12. A dimension d₂ represents thedistance between one of the sides 42 or 44 of the substrate 20 and theadjacent sides 34 or 36 of the back sheet 12. Desirably, the dimensiond₁ should be equal to or be greater than a distance d₂. This sizedifference or spacing is advantageous for it provides an adequatesurface area on the inner surface 14 of the back sheet 12 that can begrabbed between a person's thumb and fingers to hold and move thedisposable applicator 10 during use. The surface area provided by thedimension d₁ times the width of the back sheet 12 will make it possiblefor the user to firmly hold the disposable applicator 10 during use.More will be mentioned about this feature later.

The substrate 20 can be formed from a variety of materials that areliquid permeable or that are treated or coated so as to be liquidpermeable. By “liquid permeable” it is meant that a liquid can penetratethrough all or part of the material. The substrate 20 can be made frombiodegradable materials such as cellulose, chitin, etc. The substrate 20can be viewed as a delivery member that is capable of receiving acomposition or formulation 46, retaining or holding the composition orformulation 46 for a period of time, and then at a later or prescribedtime releasing or giving up the composition or formulation 46 to anothersurface or member. The substrate 20 can be a nonwoven web. As usedherein, the term “nonwoven web” means a web having a structure ofnatural, synthetic or admixtures of natural and synthetic, fibers orthreads which are interlaid, but not in an identifiable, repeatingmanner. Nonwoven webs can be formed by a variety of processes, such as ameltblown process, a spunbond process, a hydroentangling process, awet-laid process, an air-laid process, a bonded carded web process, etc.

The substrate 20 can also be a bonded carded web. As used herein, theterm “bonded carded web” refers to a web that is made from staple fiberswhich are usually purchased in bales. The bales are placed in afiberizing unit/picker which separates the fibers. Next, the fibers aresent through a combining or carding unit which further breaks apart andaligns the staple fibers in a machine-direction so as to form amachine-direction-oriented fibrous nonwoven web. Once the web has beenformed, it is then bonded by one or more of several bonding methods. Onebonding method is powder bonding wherein a powdered adhesive isdistributed throughout the web and then activated, usually by heatingthe web and adhesive with hot air. Another bonding method is patternbonding wherein heated calender rolls or ultrasonic bonding equipment isused to bond the fibers together, usually in a localized bond patternthrough the web, and/or alternatively, the web may be bonded across itsentire surface, if so desired. When using bicomponent staple fibers,through-air bonding equipment is, for many applications, especiallyadvantageous.

The substrate 20 can also be a spunbond, a spunbond laminate (SBL) or abicomponent spunbond. As used herein, the term “spunbond” refers tosmall diameter fibers which are formed by extruding molten thermoplasticmaterial as filaments from a plurality of fine, usually circularcapillaries of a spinneret, with the diameter of the extruded filamentsbeing rapidly reduced, such as by methods and apparatuses shown, forexample, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,563 to Appel et al., and U.S. Pat. No.3,692,618 to Dorschner et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,802,817 to Matsuki etal., U.S. Pat. No. 3,338,992 to Kinney, U.S. Pat. No. 3,341,394 toKinney, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,542,615 to Dobo et al., each of which isincorporated by reference and made a part hereof.

Furthermore, the substrate 20 can be a meltblown. As used herein, theterm “meltblown” means fibers formed by extruding a molten thermoplasticmaterial through a plurality of fine, usually circular die capillariesas molten threads or filaments into converging high velocity gas (i.e.air) streams which attenuate the filaments of molten thermoplasticmaterial to reduce their diameter. The diameter of the meltblown may bereduced to microfiber diameter. Thereafter, the meltblown fibers arecarried by the high velocity gas stream and are deposited on acollecting surface to form a web of randomly dispersed meltblown fibers.Such a process is disclosed in various patents and publications,including NRL Report 4364, “Manufacture of Super-Fine Organic Fibers” byB. A. Wendt, E. L. Boone and D. D. Fluharty; NRL Report 5265, “AnImproved Device For The Formation of Super-Fine Thermoplastic Fibers” byK. D. Lawrence, R. T. Lukas, J. A. Young; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,849,241,issued Nov. 19, 1974, to Butin, et al.; which are incorporated byreference hereto in their entirety.

The substrate 20 can further be formed from HYDROKNIT. HYDROKNIT is ahigh pulp content hydraulically entangled nonwoven composite fabricwhich is taught and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,703. A process formaking HYDROKNIT is taught and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,389,202.Both of these patents are incorporated by reference and made a parthereof. HYDROKNIT is a registered trademark of Kimberly-ClarkCorporation, having an office at 401 North Lake Street, Neenah, Wis.54956. The substrate 20 can also be formed from an airlaid nonwoven, acoform, or a variety of other materials known to those skilled in theart. Airlaid nonwoven is fabric made by an air-forming process whereinthe fibers are distributed by air currents to give a random orientationwithin the web and the fabric has isotropic properties. Coform is amaterial made from a blend of wood pulp fibers and polypropylene fibers.Airlaid and coform materials are commercially available from a varietyof vendors.

The substrate 20 can be constructed from one or more layers that arearranged in a vertical or horizontal fashion. By “vertical” it is meantthat one layer is positioned vertically above another layer. By“horizontal” it is meant that one layer is positioned to the side ofanother layer; for example, substrate “A” next to substrate “B”. In thehorizontal arrangement, each substrate does not have to be constructedof similar or identical materials.

The composition or formulation 46 is applied to at least a portion ofthe liquid permeable substrate 20. Desirably, the composition orformulation 46 is applied over the entire surface of the liquidpermeable substrate 20. The composition or formulation 46 impregnatesthe structure of the liquid permeable substrate 20 and is therebytemporarily retained therein. By “temporary” it is meant that thecomposition or formulation 46 can be held or retained by the substrateuntil needed. This time period can be one or more seconds, minutes,hours, days, weeks, months or even years. The composition or formulation46 is of such a consistency and characteristic that it is capable ofbeing transferred from the substrate 20 onto an exposed surface bywiping or moving the liquid permeable substrate 20 against the exposedsurface. The exposed surface can be an area or part of a human body,such as the skin or hair. The exposed surface can also be an area orpart of an animal's body including its skin, hair or fur. In addition,the exposed surface can be an area or part of a natural plant, flower,tree, etc. Furthermore, the exposed surface can be an inanimate object,such as a piece of furniture, the hood of a car, an eating utensil, afabric, carpeting, clothing, etc.

The composition or formulation 46 can be a variety of items includingbut not limited to aqueous solutions, ointments, creams, emulsions,solvents, suspensions, etc. The composition or formulation 46 can be anyof a variety of skin treatments that can be delivered in effectiveamounts from the substrate 20 to a human's skin. Such skin treatmentsinclude but are not limited to alpha and/or beta hydroxyl-acids,analgesics, antimicrobials, antibodies, anti-acne, anti-irritants,antigens, anesthetics, anti-inflammatory substances, antioxidants,anti-adherents, anti-pruritic materials, astringents, botanicals,botanical extracts, buffers, chelators, cleansing compositions,emollients, exfoliants, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, derivatives ofeach of the previous three items, enzymes, enzyme inhibitors, growthfactors, irritant sequestrants, skin lightening agents, hair carecompositions, depilatory compositions, shaving aids, fragrances, metalsalts, microbial growth factors, microorganisms, odor absorbents,oxidizers, probiotics, moisturizers, color cosmetics, vasoconstrictors,muscle relaxants, lubricants, sunscreen, insect repellents, skinprotectants, surfactants, vitamins, volatile organic compound (VOC)absorbents, material to alter skin and/or hair surface energy, and thelike could be delivered alone or in any number of permutations orcombinations.

The composition or formulation 46 can also be in the physical form of aliquid, a powder, a lotion, a gel, a cream, an emulsion, a soft solid, asemi-solid and even a solid. The composition or formulation 46 can be aliquid, a semi-solid or a solid at a certain temperature, for example at70 degrees Fahrenheit (F°). The composition or formulation 46 can be aNewtonian fluid or a Non-Newtonian fluid. A Newtonian fluid is a fluidin which the viscosity does not change as the applied shear forcechanges. A Non-Newtonian fluid is a fluid in which the viscosity changeswith the applied shear force. As a result, Non-Newtonian fluids may nothave a well-defined viscosity. The composition or formulation 46 can bea medicament, a petroleum gel, a highly viscous product, an ointmenthaving a gel-like consistency, etc.

The compositions or formulation 46 can be a skin care product that ishomogeneous or uniform in structure. When the composition or formulation46 is a skin care product, it can be made to rapidly de-emulsify uponapplication to the skin. Furthermore, when the composition orformulation 46 is a skin care product, it can be manufactured such thatit has the ability to inhibit the growth of a broad range of bacteria,fungi and other microorganisms, if desired.

The composition or formulation 46 can also include one or moreadditives. A lubricant can be added to reduce abrasion with the skin. Acolorant can be added to impart a particular color. A fragrance can beadded to provide a pleasant odor. These and other additives known tothose skilled in the art can be utilized.

It should also be understood that any of a variety of non-skin carecompositions or formulations can be delivered from the substrate 20 ofthe disposable applicator 10. These include but are not limited to hardsurface disinfectants, ultraviolet (UV) protectants, sunscreens,sanitizers, polymer conditioners, polishes, scrubbing agents, cleansingsolutions, cleansers, degreasers, adhesives, lubricants, soilrepellents, water repellents, pesticides, insect repellents, pest baits,bleaching agents, antimicrobials, acids, bases, fragrances, pesticides,and the like. For some non-skin care compositions or formulations, theydo not have to be homogeneous or exhibit the above-identified featuresdesirable in a skin care composition or formulation.

The amount of the composition or formulation 46 that is applied to orimpregnated into the substrate 20 can vary depending upon the physicalsize of the substrate 20, the material from which the substrate 20 isconstructed, the chemical makeup of the composition or formulation 46,the presence of any additives or protectants, the pore size of thesubstrate 20, the physical nature of the composition or formulation 46,the temperature at which the disposable applicator 10 is stored, etc.However, as an example, when the disposable applicator 10 is designed todeliver diaper rash cream or ointment, a sufficient quantity should beapplied to the substrate 20 such that from between about 0.2 grams toabout 2 grams of skin care composition or formulation can be deliveredto a person's skin. Desirably, at least one gram of skin carecomposition or formulation will be delivered to a person's skin. Whenthe composition or formulation is a diaper rash cream, more than onegram of the cream should be applied to the substrate 20 to ensure thatat least one gram of the diaper rash cream will transfer onto the baby'sskin. The actual amount of the composition or formulation that has to beapplied to the substrate 20 will depend upon a number of factorsincluding the intended use of the formulation, the viscosity of thecream, if it is homogeneous, if it is a semi-solid at room temperature,etc. The diaper rash cream is a topical protective barrier agent that isapplied to the baby's skin, i.e. the buttocks, and acts between the skinand any body waste to prevent the skin from being harmed.

A variety of vehicles for delivering any one of the above identifiedcompositions or formulations 46 from the substrate 20 of the disposableapplicator 10 are envisioned. These include but are not limited toointments, macro, micro and nano emulsions, creams, suspensions,solutions and the like. The vehicles may contain water but anhydrousvehicles are also envisioned. In certain embodiments, these vehiclesmight also include encapsulation technologies, such as liposomes,colloidosomes, coated particulates and other methods known to thoseskilled in the art. Application of the composition or formulation 46 toany anatomical site on the human body, to the body of an animal, or toan inanimate object is envisioned.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the disposable applicator 10 furtherincludes a seal 48 that is formed on the inner surface 14 of the backsheet 12. The seal 48 can be a breakable seal or a non-breakable seal.Desirably, the seal 48 is a breakable seal. The seal 48 can be formed byapplying one or more sealing technologies, such as adhesive, cohesive,glue, an ultrasonic bond, a chemical bond, a thermal bond, a fusionbond, a heat and pressure bond, etc., to the inner surface 14 of theback sheet 12. Desirably, the seal 48 is an adhesive bond. The seal 48should be positioned at least about 10 millimeters inward from theperimeter 18 of the back sheet 12. Desirably, the seal 48 should bepositioned at least about 5 millimeters inward from the perimeter 18 ofthe back sheet 12. More desirably, the seal 48 should be positioned atleast about 1 millimeter outward from the perimeter 26 of the substrate20. Even more desirably, the seal 48 should be positioned from betweenabout 1 to about 5 millimeters outward from the perimeter 26 of thesubstrate 20. Still more desirably, the seal 48 is positioned from atleast about 3 millimeters outward from the perimeter 26 of the substrate20.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, the seal 48 is a continuous line of adhesive that hasfirst and second ends 50 and 52. The thickness and height of the seal 48can vary depending on the size, height and configuration of thesubstrate 20. The seal 48 extends approximately half way around theperimeter 26 of the substrate 20 and on one side of the transverse axisY-Y. The seal 48 actually extends at least about 50% around theperimeter 26 of the substrate 20 and crosses the transverse axis Y-Y.The reason for this configuration is that as the back sheet 12 is foldedupon itself at a fold line 54, that is aligned approximately with thetransverse axis Y-Y, the seal 48 will attach to the remaining portion ofthe inner surface 14 and thereby extend completely around the perimeter26 of the substrate 20. This embodiment saves on the amount of adhesivethat has to be used to form the seal 48. The seal 48 functions toprevent the composition or formulation 46 that has been applied to thesubstrate 20 from escaping or leaking out and also prevents air,moisture and possible contaminants from getting into the substrate 20and somehow detrimentally affecting the composition or formulation 46.

The ability of the seal 48 to form an air permeable envelope around thesubstrate 20 will permit certain air sensitive compositions orformulations 46 to maintain their stability. For example, thecomposition or formulation 46 can include an anti-oxidant or ananaerobic bacterium that is air sensitive. In addition, the stability ofother oxygen labile compositions or formulations 46 can be maintained.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the seal 48 provides a temporary seal inthe sense that it is designed to be broken when one pulls on theopposite ends 30 and 32 of the back sheet 12. This pulling action willbreak the seal 48 and allow the back sheet 12 to be opened into a flator planar orientation, such as is depicted in FIG. 1. When the backsheet 12 is folded upon itself along the fold line 54, a chamber orcavity 56 is formed around the substrate 20 which encloses the substrateand composition or formulation applied thereto. In FIG. 4, one can seethat the ends 30 and 32 of the back sheet 12 are separated slightly onthe outside of the seal 48. This separation facilitates easy opening ofthe back sheet 12 by allowing the user to grasp each end 30 and 32 andpull the two ends 30 and 32 apart. This pulling action will cause theseal 48 to break or separate from itself and/or the inner surface 14 ofthe back sheet 12. As this occurs, the chamber or cavity 56 will beopened and the substrate 20 with its applied composition or formulation46 will be exposed. The back sheet 12 should be opened fully to its flator planar configuration, i.e. its original configuration before it wasfolded.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, an alternative embodiment of a disposableapplicator 10′ is shown. Similar numbers as used in FIGS. 1-4 will beused for common elements along with the prime symbol (′) to simplifyunderstanding of the invention. In FIG. 5, the disposable applicator 10′is shown having a back sheet 12′ with an inner surface 14′ and an outersurface 16′. The back sheet 12′ is longer in length than the backsheet12 that is shown in FIGS. 1-4. The back sheet 12′ also has a perimeter18′. A substrate 20′, see FIG. 6, includes a first surface 22′ and asecond surface 24′. The substrate 22′ also has a perimeter 26′. Thefirst surface 22′ of the substrate 20′ is attached to the first surface14′ of the back sheet 12′ by an attachment 28′. The attachment 28′ canbe an adhesive or any of the other attachment means recited above withreference to FIGS. 1-4. The back sheet 12′ has spaced apart ends 30′ and32′ and spaced apart sides 34′ and 36′. The substrate 20′ also hasspaced apart ends 38′ and 40′, see FIG. 6, and spaced apart sides thatare not visible in FIG. 5 or 6. A composition or formulation 46′ isapplied to the liquid permeable substrate 20′. The disposable applicator10′ further includes a seal 48′ that is formed on the inner surface 14′of the back sheet 12′. The seal 48′ can be a breakable seal or anon-breakable seal. Desirably, the seal 48′ is a breakable seal. Theseal 48′ can be formed by applying adhesive, cohesive, glue, anultrasonic bond, a chemical bond, a thermal bond, a fusion bond, a heatand pressure bond, etc., to the inner surface 14′ of the back sheet 12′.Desirably, the seal 48′ is an adhesive bond. Contrary to the seal 48shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the seal 48′ in FIG. 6 extends completely aroundthe perimeter 26′ of the substrate 20′. The seal 48′ is positionedaround the perimeter 26′ of the substrate 20′. The seal 48′ is locatedfrom between about 1 to about 15 millimeters outward from the perimeter26′ of the substrate 20′. More desirably, the seal 48′ is positioned atleast about 3 millimeters outward from the perimeter 26′ of thesubstrate 20′. In FIG. 6 the seal 48′ is shown as a continuous line ofadhesive.

One portion of the back sheet 12′ is folded at fold line 58′ upon itselfsuch that the outer surface 16′ is folded and overlaps another sectionof the outer surface 16′ of the back sheet 12′. This folded portion hasa pair of side edges 60′ and 62′ that are then sealed to form a pocket64′, see FIGS. 5 and 6. The pocket 64′ is located adjacent to the outersurface 16′ of the back sheet 12′. The side edges 60′ and 62′ of thefolded portion of the back sheet 12′ can be sealed or bonded using a hotmelt adhesive, a cold melt adhesive, a cohesive, a glue, an ultrasonicbond, a pressure bond, a thermal bond, a fusion bond, a heat andpressure bond, a chemical bond, a mechanical fastener, such as a hookand loop fastener, or by any other means known to those skilled in theart. Desirably, the side edges 60′ and 62′ are sealed by an ultrasonicbond. The bonds forming the pocket 64′ should be stronger than thebreakable seal 48′ so as to ensure that the pocket 64′ will not breakshould the user insert his or her fingers into the pocket 64′ while thedisposable applicator 10′ is in a closed position and then use his orher fingers that are positioned within the pocket 64′ to assist incausing the breakable seal 48′ to be broken.

The pocket 64′ is sized and shaped to allow a user of the disposableapplicator 10′ to insert at least one finger or digit of one of his orher hands comfortably into the pocket 64′. By “digit” it is meant athumb. Desirably, two fingers and/or one digit of one hand can beinserted into the pocket 64′. More desirably, three or four fingersand/or a digit of one hand can be inserted into the pocket 64′. Thefunction of the pocket 64′ is to allow the user to insert one, two,three or four fingers or digits into the pocket 64′ such that the usercan move or wipe the substrate 20′ of the disposable applicator 10′against an exposed surface. While control of the disposable applicator10 or 10′ is best accomplished using the fingers, it is also possiblefor the user to accomplish this with any digit, including his or herthumb. The exposed surface can be his or her skin, the skin of anotherperson, such as the skin of a child or older adult, the body of ananimal, or the surface of an object. As the substrate 20′ is wipedagainst the exposed surface, the composition or formulation 46′, seeFIG. 6, will be transferred from the substrate 20′ onto the exposedsurface. It is anticipated that the user can apply a downward force orpressure onto the back sheet 12′ as the wiping occurs to assist thetransfer of the composition or formulation 46′ onto the exposed surface.

The disposable applicator 10′ further has an advertisement 66′ printed,formed or attached to a remaining portion of the outer surface 16′ ofthe back sheet 12′. The advertisement 66′ can include letters, words,graphics symbols, icons, trademarks, instructions for use, safetyinstructions, instructions for proper disposal of the disposableapplicator 10′, etc. The advertisement 66′ can be printed or embossedonto the outer surface 16′ of the back sheet 12′ or it can be in theform of a label or patch that is attached to the outer surface 16′ ofthe back sheet 12′. Various ways of printing, embossing, or constructinglabels is known to those skilled in the art.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, another embodiment of a disposableapplicator 10″ is depicted. Similar numbers as used in FIGS. 1-6 will beused for common elements along with the symbol (″) to simplifyunderstanding of the invention. In FIG. 7, the disposable applicator 10″is shown having a back sheet 12″ with an inner surface 14″ and an outersurface 16″. The back sheet 12″ is similar in length to the backsheet 12that is shown in FIGS. 1-4. The back sheet 12″ also has a perimeter 18″.A substrate 20″ is also present, which includes a first surface 22″, seeFIG. 8, and a second surface 24″. The substrate 22″ also has a perimeter26″ best illustrated in FIG. 8. In FIG. 7, the substrate 20″ has an ovalconfiguration as opposed to a rectangular configuration, shown in FIGS.1-6. It should be noted that the substrate 20, 20′ and 20″ can have anydesired geometrical shape. The first surface 22″ of the substrate 20″ isattached to the first surface 14″ of the back sheet 12″ by an attachment28″. The attachment 28″ can be an adhesive or any of the otherattachment means recited above with reference to FIGS. 1-6. The backsheet 12″ has spaced apart ends 30″ and 32″ and spaced apart sides 34″and 36″. The substrate 20″ also has spaced apart ends 38′ and 40′, seeFIG. 6, and spaced apart sides that are not visible in FIG. 5 or 6. Acomposition or formulation 46″ is applied to the liquid permeablesubstrate 20″. The disposable applicator 10″ further includes a seal 48″that is formed on the inner surface 14″ of the back sheet 12″. The seal48″ can be a breakable seal or a non-breakable seal. Desirably, the seal48″ is a breakable seal. The seal 48″ can be formed by applyingadhesive, cohesive, glue, an ultrasonic bond, a chemical bond, a thermalbond, a fusion bond, a heat and pressure bond, etc., to the innersurface 14″ of the back sheet 12″. Desirably, the seal 48″ is anadhesive bond. Contrary to the seal 48 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the seal48″ in FIGS. 7 and 8 extends completely around the perimeter 26″ of thesubstrate 20″. The seal 48″ is located from between about 1 to about 15millimeters outward from the perimeter 26″ of the substrate 20″. Evenmore desirably, the seal 48″ is positioned at least about 3 millimetersoutward from the perimeter 26″ of the substrate 20″. In FIGS. 7 and 8,the seal 48″ is shown as a continuous line of adhesive.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, the disposable applicator 10″ also differs fromthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 in that it has a pocket 64″ formedby securing a separate piece of material 68″. The separate piece ofmaterial 68″ is secured to the outer surface 16″ of the back sheet 12″,see FIG. 7, by bond lines 70″, 72″ and 74″, see FIG. 9. The bond line70″ is located adjacent to the end 30″ and the bond lines 72″ and 74″are located adjacent to the sides, 36″ and 34″ respectively. The bondlines 70″, 72″ and 74″ can be formed by using an adhesive, glue, byultrasonic bonds or any of the other bonding mechanisms described abovewith relation to the attachments 28, 28′ and 28″. As stated above withreference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the bonds forming the pocket 64″ should bestronger than the breakable seal 48″ to ensure that the pocket 64″ doesnot come apart before the breakable seal 48″ breaks.

The separate piece of material 68″ used to form the pocket 64″ can beformed from a material that is identical, similar to or different fromthe material used to form the back sheet 12″. Desirably, the separatepiece of material 68″ will be formed from the identical or similarmaterial that is used to form the back sheet 12″. By using the samematerial, the manufacturer can reduce the number of different materialsthat he must keep in inventory and thereby save on cost.

The disposable applicator 10″ also has a fold line 54″ alignedapproximate with the transverse axis Y-Y, although it does not have tobe so positioned. The disposable applicator 10″ is designed to be foldedalong the fold line 54″ in order to seal the substrate 20″ with thebreakable seal 48″. Furthermore, the disposable applicator 10″ has anadvertisement 66″ printed, formed or attached to a remaining portion ofthe outer surface 16″ of the back sheet 12″. The advertisement 66″ caninclude letters, words, graphics symbols, icons, trademarks,instructions for use, safety instructions, instructions for properdisposal of the disposable applicator 10″, etc. The advertisement 66″can be printed or embossed onto the outer surface 16″ of the back sheet12″ or it can be in the form of a label or patch that is attached to theouter surface 16″ of the back sheet 12″. Various ways of printing,embossing, or constructing labels is known to those skilled in the art.When the disposable applicator 10″ is folded along the fold line 54″ andthe breakable seal 48″ is secure, the disposable applicator 10″ willacquire the configuration shown in FIG. 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, another embodiment of a disposableapplicator 10′″ is shown having a diamond or square configuration with alongitudinal axis X-X and a transverse axis Y-Y. The disposableapplicator 10′″ includes a back sheet 12′″ that has an inner surface14′″, an outer surface 16′″ and a perimeter 18′″. The perimeter 18′″includes sides 78, 80, 82 and 84. A substrate 20′″ is secured to theinner surface 14′″ of the back sheet 12′″ by any of the means describedabove. The substrate 20′″ has a perimeter 26′″ which is spaced inwardfrom the perimeter 18′″, although the perimeters 18′″ and 26′″ can becoterminous, if desired. The disposable applicator 10′″ also includes aseal 48′″ formed outward of the perimeter 26′″ of the substrate 20′″.The seal 48′″ can be a breakable seal or a non-breakable seal.Desirably, the seal 48′″ is a breakable seal. The disposable applicator10′″ is designed to be folded along a fold line 76. In FIG. 12, the foldline 76 is aligned along the transverse axis Y-Y, although it does nothave to be. Once the disposable applicator 10′″ is folded along the foldline 76, the sides 78 and 80 will overlap the sides 82 and 84,respectively. This creates a triangular configuration as depicted inFIG. 12. When the disposable applicator 10′″ is folded upon itself alongthe fold line 76, the seal 48′″ will adhere to either itself or to theinner surface 14′″ of the back sheet 12′″ along two sides. In FIG. 12,the seal 48′″ is aligned along the two sides 78 and 80 of the triangularconfiguration.

It should be recognized that the breakable seal 48′″ can be an adhesivethat extends along at least two of the sides, 78 and 80 or 82 and 84,situated on one side of the fold line 76, similar to the breakable seal48 shown in FIG. 1. Desirably, the breakable seal 48′″ will extendslightly beyond the fold line 76 to ensure that the folded disposableapplicator 10′″ is sealed along the two sides that are aligned at anangle to the fold line 76. By positioning the breakable seal 48′″ onhalf or slightly more than half of the back sheet 12′″, one can save onthe amount of adhesive that needs to be used in making the disposableapplicator 10′″ and this can reduce the cost of the finished product.

It should also be recognized that any of the disposable applicators 10,10′, 10′ or 10′″ can utilize an adhesive secured to the outer surface16, 16′, 16′ or 16′″ of the respective backsheet 12, 12′, 12″ or 12′″.The adhesive can exhibit a residual tack. A label can then be removeablyattached to the adhesive such that when the label is removed, theadhesive will enable a user to grasp the disposable applicator 10, 10′,10″ or 10′″ in one hand and maintain enhanced control of the disposableapplicator 10, 10′, 10″ or 10′″.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with severalspecific embodiments, it is to be understood that many alternatives,modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in theart in light of the aforegoing description. Accordingly, this inventionis intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications andvariations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

1. A disposable applicator comprising: a) a back sheet having an innersurface, an outer surface and a perimeter; b) a liquid permeablesubstrate having a first surface, a second surface and a perimeter, andsaid first surface being secured to said inner surface of said backsheet; c) a composition applied to said liquid permeable substrate, saidcomposition capable of being transferred to an exposed surface by wipingsaid liquid permeable substrate against said exposed surface; and d) aseal formed on said inner surface of said back sheet, said back sheetbeing folded upon itself such that said seal extends completely aroundsaid perimeter of said substrate to protect said composition.
 2. Thedisposable applicator of claim 1 wherein said back sheet isvapor-impermeable.
 3. The disposable applicator of claim 2 wherein saidback sheet is moisture-impermeable.
 4. The disposable applicator ofclaim 3 wherein said back sheet is liquid-impermeable.
 5. The disposableapplicator of claim 1 wherein said composition impregnates said liquidpermeable substrate.
 6. The disposable applicator of claim 1 whereinsaid seal is an adhesive positioned at least about 1 millimeter outwardof said perimeter of said substrate.
 7. The disposable applicator ofclaim 1 wherein said back sheet is a film.
 8. The disposable applicatorof claim 7 wherein said back sheet is formed from a polyolefin filmhaving an outer surface that has a coarse texture which limits slippingof said film while being held in a person's hand.
 9. The disposableapplicator of claim 1 wherein said breakable seal extends approximatelyhalf way around said perimeter of said substrate on one side of a foldline and said back sheet is folded approximate said fold line such thatsaid breakable seal extends completely around said perimeter of saidsubstrate.
 10. A disposable applicator comprising: a) amoisture-impermeable back sheet having an inner surface, an outersurface and a perimeter; b) a liquid permeable substrate having a firstsurface, a second surface and a perimeter, said perimeter of saidsubstrate being smaller than said perimeter of said back sheet, and saidfirst surface being secured to said inner surface of said back sheetsuch that said inner surface extends around said perimeter of saidsubstrate; c) a composition applied to said liquid permeable substrate,said composition capable of being transferred to an exposed surface bywiping said liquid permeable substrate against said exposed surface; andd) a seal formed at least about 50% around said perimeter of saidsubstrate on one side of a fold line, and said back sheet being foldedapproximately at said fold line such that said seal extends completelyaround said perimeter of said substrate to protect said composition. 11.The disposable applicator of claim 10 wherein an adhesive exhibitingresidual tack is secured to said outer surface of said back sheet and alabel is removably attached to said adhesive, such that when said labelis removed, said adhesive will enable a user to grasp said disposableapplicator in one hand and maintain enhanced control of said disposableapplicator.
 12. The disposable applicator of claim 10 wherein saidcomposition is a semi-solid at 70° F.
 13. The disposable applicator ofclaim 10 wherein said composition is a solid at 70° F.
 14. Thedisposable applicator of claim 10 wherein said composition is a liquidat 70° F.
 15. The disposable applicator of claim 10 wherein saidcomposition is selected from a group comprising an aqueous solution, anointment, a cream, an emulsion and a solvent.
 16. A disposableapplicator comprising: a) a vapor-impermeable back sheet having an innersurface, an outer surface and a perimeter; b) a liquid permeablesubstrate having a first surface, a second surface and a perimeter, saidperimeter of said substrate being at least about 5% smaller than saidperimeter of said back sheet, and said first surface being secured tosaid inner surface of said back sheet such that said inner surfaceextends around said perimeter of said substrate; c) a skin carecomposition applied to said liquid permeable substrate, said skin carecomposition capable of being transferred to an exposed surface by wipingsaid liquid permeable substrate against said exposed surface; and d) aseal formed on said inner surface of said back sheet and positionedaround said perimeter of said substrate, and said back sheet beingfolded approximate a fold line so as to protect said skin carecomposition.
 17. The disposable applicator of claim 16 wherein said sealis formed by an ultrasonic bond.
 18. The disposable applicator of claim16 wherein said back sheet is a polyolefin film having an outer surfacewith an abrasive texture to limit slipping while being held in aperson's hand.
 19. The disposable applicator of claim 16 wherein saidvapor-impermeable back sheet is biodegradable.
 20. The disposableapplicator of claim 16 wherein a pocket is formed on said outer surfaceof said back sheet which is sized to receive at least one digit of auser's hand.
 21. A disposable applicator comprising: a) a back sheethaving an inner surface, an outer surface and a perimeter; b) a liquidpermeable substrate having a first surface, a second surface and aperimeter, and said first surface being secured to said inner surface ofsaid back sheet; c) a composition applied to said liquid permeablesubstrate, said composition capable of being transferred to an exposedsurface by wiping said liquid permeable substrate against said exposedsurface; d) said back sheet being folded upon itself; and e) a sealformed on said folded back sheet such that said seal extends completelyaround said perimeter of said substrate to protect said composition.